Koko the sign-language gorilla celebrates a very special birthday

By Sam Downing3 years ago

You might remember Koko as the gorilla who was adopted by a psychology student in the 1970s and taught to use sign language to communicate with humans (she's since learned about 1000 words). This July 4, Koko turned 45 years old — but that's not the birthday being celebrated in this video.

This newly released video shows Koko blowing out two candles, which apparently grants her a wish on behalf of each kitten. (If you're wondering what a gorilla would wish for: tough luck. The nature of the wishes has not been revealed, in keeping with globally recognised birthday laws.)

The party for the kittens — who Koko has described as her babies (aww!!!) — included presents, games and "irresistible" cat treats.